National Football League

Browns free agency preview: Will Manziel, Gordon and 'Textgate' spoil offseason?

Published Feb. 26, 2015 10:31 a.m. ET

Ross Jones

Piggybacking the five-game losing streak to end 2014, the Cleveland Browns have experienced a woeful offseason thus far.

With Josh Gordon facing a yearlong suspension, Johnny Manziel undergoing treatment and offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan asking to be granted release from his contract, even the unveiling of the Browns' new logo can't overshadow a turbulent offseason. Oh, and we didn't even mention a possible punishment because of the "Textgate" fiasco.

The team showed some significant improvements in Mike Pettine's first season as head coach and he looks to build off that momentum. Despite a season marred with injuries, the Browns have some areas they need to address to contend in the loaded AFC North.

How they finished?

2014: 7-9 -- No postseason

2013: 4-12 -- No postseason

Projected salary cap space as of Feb. 1 (per Spotrac.com): 3rd most with $43.2M

Potential free agency targets: The most pressing question the Browns face is who their starting quarterback will be. With Manziel in rehab and Brian Hoyer set to hit the open market, Cleveland brass must decide which direction the organization should move. The general consensus is the Browns will sign a veteran free agent to compete with Manziel in camp. Josh McCown visited with the Browns earlier this week and could bridge the gap between now and the future. Beefing up the run defense is also a priority. While Ndamukong Suh will command a hefty price tag, Denver's Terrance Knighton is stout against the run and can push the pocket to create pressure on opposing quarterbacks.

Potential cap casualties: Defensive tackle Phil Taylor had the fifth-year option placed on him a season ago, but the money isn't guaranteed if he's released before March 10 at 4:00 p.m. ET, the beginning of the new league year. Releasing Taylor would save the Browns north of $5 million, but they'd also miss out on a big-time talent whose four-year career has been riddled with injuries.

Extensions? Before free safety Tashaun Gipson injured his MCL and was placed on injured reserve, he was a premier ball hawk leading the league in interceptions and even garnering a Pro Bowl nod. Gipson, a restricted free agent, almost certainly will be retained in Cleveland as the team has the right of first refusal if he accepts another qualifying offer sheet. Don't be surprised if the two sides hammer out a long-term agreement.

Offseason needs: DT, WR and TE

Notable free agents:

TE Jordan Cameron

QB Brian Hoyer

OLB Jabaal Sheard

CB Buster Skrine

WR Miles Austin

DL Sione Fua

DL Ahtyba Rubin

FS Tashaun Gipson (restricted)